Button fastener



Sept. 14, 1954' J. T. HAYDEN 2,688,782

BUTTON FASTENER Filed Jan. '7, 1952 INVEN TOR. JOJEPH 71 1 /4 YDf/VATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 14, 1954 UNITED STATEEfi OFFICE 3 Claims.

This is a continuation-in-part of my application for Letters Patent onFasteners, Serial No. 768,634 filed August 14, 1947, now Patent No.2,586,189.

My invention relates to means for fastening desired objects together.While my invention can be used for fastening a number of different kindsor groupings of desired objects, there will be more particularlydescribed hereinafter my invention as applied to fastening a button to agarment.

It has been found in practice that virtually all buttons comprise aminimum of two button-holes which are spaced apart a standard distance.This is so regardless of the size of the button. Moreover, it has beenthe practice to secure buttons to garments by means of sewing thread.Yet when the thread is broken, worn or otherwise rendered unsecure, thebutton comes off the garment and must be put away by the wearer untilsuch time as is convenient again to sew the button to the garment. Inthe meantime, the wearer finds it necessary to use the garment withoutthe button, necessitating. an unsightly appearance and the additionalhandicap of having to use a garment in an open condition where thebutton should have been.

Various attempts have been made in the past to supply supplemental meansfor substituting a button for the one which belongs to the garment. Suchmeans have not generally been accepted, primarily because thesubstituted button does not conform in appearance to the one which wasreplaced; but secondarily because the mechanism used to secure theauxiliary button is large and unwieldy, difiicult and tedious inassembly and. generally inflexible and unsightly.

It is an object of my invention therefore toprovide means whereby theoriginal button belonging to the garment can be quickly, easily andeconomically secured to the garment itself, and. in a manner to suggestthe original appearance of the button and arment, and with substantiallythe original flexibility of connection of the buttonto the garment.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for fastening abutton to a garment, which means would replace the original sewing ofthe button to the garment.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for securing abutton to the garment, which means are readily operated to detach thebutton from the garment, when desired.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for fastening abutton to a garment, which means are of such small bulk and of suchcharacter as to render their presence virtually unnoticeable and safefrom unpleasant contact with the body of the wearer.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a fastening meanswhich is flexible in use, economic and easy to manufacture, and certainin operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a fastening means which mayreadily be used to secure penetrable objects one to another.

With the above and other objects in view my invention consists of afastener comprising a retainin means; an arm connected with saidretaining means; a sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of saidarm; and means to retain said portion of said arm Within said sleeve.

My invention also consists of a fastener comprising an arm portion; asleeve portion; and releasable retaining means adapted alternately topermit said arm portion to be inserted within said sleeve, to hold saidarm portion within said sleeve, and to release said arm portion whendesired.

My invention further consists of a fastener comprising a retainingmeans; an interlocking means connected with said retainin means; andmeans for releasably securin said interlocking means.

My invention also consists of the means, mechanisms and arrangements ofparts as herein shown and described.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention, I have shown in theaccompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferredby me,since the same have been found inpractice to give satisfactory andreliable results, althoughit is to be understood that the variousinstrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variouslyarranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities asherein shown and described.

With reference now to the drawings in which like reference charactersindicate like parts:

Figure 1 represents an extended, perspective view of a pin and retainingmember comprising my invention.

Figure 2 represents a sectional view taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFigure 1.

Figure 3 represents a side elevational view of a pin comprising myinvention.

Figure 4 represents a front elevational view of a pin comprising myinvention.

Figure 5 represents a plan view of a blank which may be used inconstructing a retaining member comprising my invention.

Figure 6 represents a plan view of a button fastened in accordance withmy invention.

Figure '7 represents a side elevational view of a button fastened in amanner comprising my invention.

Figure 8 represents a plan view of a blank which may be used in forminga retaining member of modified construction, embodyin my invention.

Figure 9 represents a plan view of one stage in the formation of aretaining member from the blank illustrated in Figure 8, and embodyingmy invention.

Figure 10 represents a plan view of a retaining member formed from theblank illustrated in Figure 8, and in accordance with the stepillustrated in Figure 9, and embodying my invention.

Figure 11 represents a vertical sectional view illustrating one stage inthe insertion of a buttonretaining pin into the retaining member ofmodified construction illustrated in Figure 10, and embodying myinvention.

Figure 12 represents a vertical sectional view of a subsequent stage ofthe insertion of a retaining pin into the retaining member illustratedin Figure 10, and embodying my invention.

Figure 13 represents a vertical sectional view of the final stage of theengagement of the retaining pin by the retaining member illustrated inFigure 10 and embodying my invention.

Figure 14 represents an elevational view showing the retaining memberillustrated in Figure 10 holding a retaining pin which in turn holds abutton in proper engagement with a garment, and embodying my invention.

According to my invention, I provide a retaining means which may be apin member 38 comprising a bight 3| and preferably parallel lockingfingers or prongs 32 and 33 projecting preferably perpendicularly in onedirection from preferably substantially parallel lower arms or posts 34and 35 of the bight 3|.

I also provide a retaining or looking member 36, preferably formed outof a sheet metal blank 31 substantially as illustrated more fully inFigure 5. Substantially centrally disposed in the blank 31 is a bed 38.For purposes of description only, I shall describe the bed 38 as lyinghorizontal, although it is to be understood that it operates equallywell in all positions. A tongue 39 projects from one end of the bed 38and is bent upwardly generally along the axis 48, and rearwardlygenerally along the axis 4| to form a retaining plate 42. The outer edge43 of the tongue 39 is rabbeted as at 44. jecting from the opposite endof the bed 38, I provide a tongue 45 which is curved upwardly andforwardly at the base 48 thereof to form a spring latch 41. For purposesof increasing the flexibility of the latch 41, I may reduce the width ofthe tongue 45 at the base 48 thereof, as illustrated in Figure 5.However, it should be understood that this is merely one preferred form,and my invention is not to be limited to any aspect of such narrowing ofthe width. Side members Preferably pro- 48 and 49 project laterally fromthe sides of the bed 38, intermediate the tongues 39 and 45, and arebent upwardly along the respective axes 50 and 5 I.

There is thus formed a receptacle comprising a base 38, side walls 48and 49, a front wall intermediate the folds 48 and 4|, a top plate 42,and a spring latch 41. The leading edge 52 of the spring latch 41cooperates with the side walls 48 and 49 and the rabbeted edges 44 toprovide ports 53 for the reception of the prongs 32 and 33. The plate 42is spaced from the bed 38 a distance substantially equal to the diameterof the prongs 32,. 33, thereby to form therebetween a retaining sleeveportion 58.

As may more readily be seen by reference to Figure 2, the spring latch41 is preferably normally inclined upwardly and forwardly, and thevertical plane of the leading edge 52 thereof is spaced from thevertical plane of the rabbeted edge 44 a distance substantially equal tothe diameter of the prongs 32, 33.

In Figures 8 to 14 inclusive I have shown a modified constructionembodying my invention. In this construction, the same pin 38 as thatshown in Figure 1 may be used. The receptacle however, is preferablyformed of a blank 54 formed of soft iron, aluminum, or other flexibleand non-resilient metal or metal alloy or of a plastic or other producthaving such characteristics. The blank 54 preferably has a bed portion55 of a width substantially equal to that of the bed portion 38 but of alength which is preferably no greater than the sum of the distancebetween the rearward edge 58 of the bight 3| and the point 5! of the pinmember 30, and the distance between said point 51 and the forward edge58 of said pin member. The length of said body portion 55 however is notnecessarily limited to said sum of said distances, but I have found inpractice that the length as so defined constitutes one practicalarrangement of parts.

Forwardly disposed side flanges 59 and 60 are provided on either side ofthe forward end of the bed portion 55; and preferably similarly shapedrearwardly disposed side flanges 6| and 62 are disposed on either sideof the rearward end of the bed portion 55. The forwardly disposed sideflanges 59 and 68 respectively comprise fold portions 83 and 84intermediate said flanges and said bed 55, outer side edges 85 and 68,forward edges 61 and 68, and rearward edges 89 and 18. The forward edges61 and 58 are respectively spaced from the rearward edges 69 and 10 adistance substantially equal to the distance between the forward edge 58of the bight 3| and the point 51 of the pin 30; and said forward edges61 and 68 may be substantially colinear with the forward edge 98 of thebed 55.

The rearwardly disposed side flanges GI and 62 respectively comprisefold portions H and 12 intermediate said side flanges 6|, 62 and saidbed 55, and also respectively comprise outer side edges 13 and 14,forward edges I5 and 16, and rearward edges 11 and 18. The forward edges15 and '16 are preferably parallel to the rearward edges 69 and 18 ofthe forwardly disposed side flanges 59 and 68, and are respectivelyspaced therefrom a distance equal to the distance between the rearwardedge 58 and the forward edge 58 of the bight 3|. The rearward edges 11and 18 of the respective side flanges BI and 62 may be colinear with therearward edge 19 of the bed 55.

The side flanges 59, 60, GI and 62 are folded upwardly and inwardlyabout their respective ifoldportions 835814;]! and L2,.as illustratedlin sliigures i9 :and 110, in a =manner to dispose said flanges parallelto the :bed :"55 andspaced therefrom a distance substantially equal tothe thickportion al "defined by the -bed 55, folds 63 and i 84, andflanges 59 and 80.

The transversely disposed rearward edges and T8 of the vestibule 80being spaced from the bed a distance equal. to the thickness of theprongs 32, 33, and said prongs being of the same thickness as thethickness of the bight 3|, said edges l5, '53 are disposed adjacent therearward edge 58 of the bight 3| and above the curve 82 between thebight 3i and the prongs 32, 33, when the pin 38 is inserted in retainedengagement with the retaining member 83 as hereinafter described.

In one preferred construction, the forward end 86 of the retainingmember 83 which is formed of the blank 54, is chamfered and collapsed bya suitable stamping operation so as to provide a curved and closedforward end with all sharp edges removed. In similar manner, therearward end 85 is likewise curved and collapsed.

In operation, the points 5'! of the prongs 32 and 33 are inserted intothe vestibule 88 and into the sleeve 8|. To facilitate this insertion,the retaining member 83 with the rearward flange portion 8|, 82 is bentdownwardly about the bed portion 85 of the channel 88, therebyseparating the rearward edges 15, 16 from the for ward edges 89, 18 ofthe vestibule, and from alignment with the sleeve 8| so that the prongs32 and 33 are free to enter said sleeve 8|. The prongs 32 and 33 arethen fully inserted into the sleeve 8|, and the rearward flange portion88 of the bed 55 is then lifted upwardly about the bed portion 85 of thechannel 88, thereby carrying with it the forward edges I5 and T8 of thevestibule until they bear against the rearward edge 55 of the bight 3!of the pin member 38. In this position, the bight 3! is firmly lockedbetween the rearward edges #5, l3 and the forward edges 83, ill of thevetibule 88, and the prongs 32 and 33 are firmly held within the sleeve8!.

Thus, when it is desired to secure a button 81 to a fabric 88 of agarment, it is merely necessary to slide the prongs 32 and 33 throughthe buttonholes 83 of the button 81, and pass said prongs through thefabric 88, extending the pin member 38 through said button and fabricuntil the bight portion 3| is extending therethrough. The retainingmember 83 is then bent about the bed 85 of the vestibule channel 88sufficiently to uncover the sleeve 8|, and the prongs 32 and 33 areinserted in the sleeve 8!, whereupon the retaining member 83 is againstraightened out until the rearward edges 15 and 16 of the vestibule 88bear against the rearward edges 58 of the bight 3|, all as hereinabovedescribed. The button 8'! is now securely fastened to the fabric 88.Should it be desired to remove the button 81 from the fabric 288, it .ismerely necessary to again bendlthe re- :taining :member $83 about thechannel bed 85 :and to=slide the sleeve8l away Ifromthe prongs 32, T33:until said rprongs are freed therefrom. The bight 13! is then rocked"forwardly andlifted "at :thexsame time, so as to remove the prongs :32,313 from the fabric 88 and from the button 381. 'The button is nowagain-free from'thefabric.

'iIn the case of that construction embodying my invention, which isillustrated in Figures 1 to 7 "inclusive, the pinmember 38 is passedthrough the buttonLBfl -and fabric 88 in the same manner 'ashereinbefore described, and the prongs 32-, 33 are passed through theports 53 and into the retaining sleeve portion 58. In so doing, theleading edge 52 of the spring latch 4! is cammed downwardly by the loweredges of the prongs 32, 33, and is released for upward displacement whenthe prongs 32, 33 are fully inserted in the retaining sleeve 58 and therearward edges 58 of the bight 3| uncover said leading edge 52 of thespring latch 41. The latch 4'! is then upwardly urged by its springconstruction until the leading edge 52 bears against said rearward edges58 of the bight 3| thereby locking said bight in place, with the prongs32, 33, locked within the retaining sleeve portion 58. Should it bedesired to remove the button 8'! from the fabric 88, it is merelynecessary to depress the leading edge 52 of the spring latch 41 untilthe channel of the retaining sleeve portion 58 is uncovered, whereuponthe prongs 32, 33 may be removed therefrom and also from the fabric 88and the button 81 by substantially the same motion as hereinbeforedescribed with respect to the retaining member 83.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and Itherefore desire the present embodiments to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to theappended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate thescope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire toobtain by Letters Patent, is:

1. A fastening device comprising the combination of a pin member and aretaining member; said pin member comprising a bight portion and a prongprojecting from said bight portion; said retaining member comprising avestibule having a flexible bed portion; a retaining sleeve portionprojecting in one direction from said vestibule, and a locking portionprojecting in another direction from said vestibule; said retainingsleeve portion being adapted to receive and to hold said prong; saidlocking portion being rockable about said flexible bed portion of saidvestibule, and within a path which at one position intercepts theentrance channel to said sleeve and at another position intercepts thepath of the rearward edge of said bight when said prong is removed fromsaid sleeve.

2. A fastening device comprising the combination of a pin member and aretaining member; said pin member comprising a bight portion and a prongprojecting from said bight portion; said retaining member comprising aretaining sleeve portion, a locking portion, and a flexible bed portionpivotally connecting said locking portion to said retaining sleeveportion; said retaining sleeve portion and flexible bed portion defininga vestibule for the entrance of said pin member into said retainingsleeve portion; and said locking portion being rockable about saidflexible bed portion alternately to open said vestibule for saidinsertion of said pin member and to close said vestibule against thewithdrawal of said pin member from said retaining sleeve portion.

3. A fastening device comprising the combination of a pin member and aretaining member; said pin member comprising a bight portion and a prongprojecting from said bight portion; said retaining member comprising aretaining sleeve portion, a locking portion, and a flexible bed portionpivotally connecting said locking portion to said retaining sleeveportion; said retaining sleeve portion and flexible bed portion defininga vestibule for the entrance of said pin member into said retainingsleeve portion; said locking portion being rockable about said flexiblebed portion and in a path which at one position intercepts the entrancechannel to said sleeve.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,419,104 Becker June 6, 1922 FOREIGN PATENTS Number CountryDate 51,215 Germany Mar. 15, 1890

